In Solidarity with Global Surgery Initiatives

Written by: Ann Rhomberg

Through our work to resource Bolivian surgeons and their affiliate hospitals, we have witnessed the many ways quality surgical care can positively impact the health of patients, and the well-being of their families and entire communities. Yet still, “in low- and middle-income countries, 9 out of 10 people cannot access even the most basic surgical services.” Viewing our work through this broader lens, we have joined the G4 Alliance. In solidarity with 80+ organizations, we are working to improve access to safe surgery in more than 160 countries.

Solidarity Bridge offers an important voice and perspective to this forum. We will bring our knowledge of best practices and lived experience to The G4 Alliance meetings and activities. In turn, the G4 Alliance can speak with an organized and collective voice among the global health community to address critical disparities in providing basic surgical care.

What is the Goal of the G4 Alliance? Safe Surgical and Anesthesia Care for 80% of the World by 2030.

The G4 Alliance aims to build greater political priority for surgical, obstetric, trauma, and anesthesia care. Activities will be focused on building national capacity, strengthening health systems, and prioritizing essential surgical care through:

Producing the evidence needed for effective advocacy and implementation through rigorous research;

Understanding and galvanizing the tools, environment, standards and human capital available in low-resource settings;

Implementing surgical trainings and related human resources for programs tailored to local contexts to strengthen health systems and increase access to surgical care for generations to come; and

Providing safe, life-changing surgical care to patients in need.

In a few days, our very own board member, Richard Moser, MD, will represent us at the G4 Alliance council meeting in Geneva, Switzerland. This timing is particularly significant because the 70th World Health Assembly, the decision making body of WHO, will also be convening and the G4 Alliance will co-host a Global Surgery Advocacy event. The event will bring together Ministers of Health, high-level officials and civil society leaders who support global surgery initiatives around the world. We have invited Bolivian Health ministers to attend.

Follow Dr. Moser and these exciting activities on our blog next week!

Ann Rhomberg has been on staff at Solidarity Bridge since 2007 and has served as Executive Director since 2012.